Author perseveres to bring story of self-worth to life

“Agattu, the Alaskan Caribou” is proud of how tall he is. He is taller than all of the other animals that he knows including his father. When Agattu meets a moose and is no longer the tallest animal around, his sense of self-worth and pride are wounded. How will he deal with the new challenge to his old world view?

Author and Illustrator Erin Rivard began telling the tale of Agattu in high school though, at the time, Agattu was not yet a caribou. With the encouragement of her husband, Rivard was able to finish the book in September of 2012.

“The best part was doing something that I always dreamed of doing,” says Rivard.

The story was always something in the back of her mind. There were times when she would feel it bugging her.​“I just needed to put my mind to it,” says Rivard.

Rivard’s publisher says that the book has a strong foundational message of self-worth.

“Everyone is unique and special just the way they are,” says Rivard.

The illustrations feature many Alaskan animals, and the book has facts about Alaska at the end.

“Agattu, the Alaskan Caribou” can be ordered and personalized here. It will also be available on Amazon.com. The book release party will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013

Rivard is a licensed teacher who has taught third grade.​This story was originally published at examiner.com. The links have been updated August 2016.